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Rowan Moore (MI’25) grew up feeling “scared and intimidated” by the public library in their hometown of Timmins, Ontario. Now, they want to help change how these public institutions work. Rowan’s classmates and professors all agree; Moore embodies the change which needs to happen. 

Described as a ‘people person’, a ‘connector’, and a ‘yes person’, Moore believes it is important for GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) institutions to get out of their buildings and “form meaningful relationships with people in the community.” Moore emphasizes how being able to show up for people and meet them where they are at can show people how these institutions can be their spaces.

“Who’s not at the library?”

As a queer and trans person, before Moore had even completed their undergraduate degree in history, they started thinking about who was missing from the library. “The people you want to help most are not showing up because they don’t see the library as a safe space for them.” 

As they began working in archives institutions (including the Directorate of History and Heritage Archives in Ottawa) their understanding of the disconnect between institutions and people grew. The problem, they say, is that institutions need to put further emphasis on engagement and outreach. “Engaging people with historical materials shows these events are not so far removed. People think it’s far away, it cannot affect them, but [connecting with physical records and materials] can really change your perspective.”

Drawn to the Faculty of Management by the intimacy of the Master of Information program, Moore says they also liked that “the program had a bit of everything.” They describe their life experiences and aspirations coming together in one course, Community Led Services, taught by Alison Brown. "It is very geared for public libraries and how they can work with their community and have the community tell them what they need.” They are keenly interested in how the concepts they learned can be applied in other GLAM institutions to better connect people with each other and the world around them.

“I do not want to follow a traditional path.”

According to one of Moore’s classmates, Rebecca Marjoram, “Moore exemplified community in the program for the past two years. They were the first to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed support. They helped make this department a place students wanted to be and inspired us to give back in our own ways too.”

Dr. Philippe Mongeon (Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Information Science) summarizes Moore’s contribution by saying “They are an exceptional leader and community builder. Through their unwavering and thoughtful engagement, they have been pillars of support for many. Rowan's dedication to uplifting others and driving positive change exemplifies the true spirit of our department and of our field.”

Moore says graduating feels “kind of bittersweet.” Having built deep friendships with people who they saw regularly, they’re going to miss those relationships. But they’re also excited to start their career and work on building professional and personal community connections.  

“I do not want to follow a traditional path. I want to be an active member of any space I’m in, be a part of decision-making, and make people think about new perspectives. I want to make changes that benefit others around me. No matter what, I want to do this work, helping people.”